Slovak media DennikN reported that Ukraine is going to buy 2 batteries from Slovakia, i.e. 16 units of ZUZANA 2 155-mm self-propelled howitzers on TATRA 8 × 8 chassis. The Zuzana 2 fires all standard NATO 155 mm shells. In December 2018, the Slovak government had approved the purchase of 25 Zuzana 2 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers for a total amount of €175 million. In November 2020, the Ukraine Armed Forces also awarded the Czech company Excalibur Army a contract for the supply of 26 DANA M2 self-propelled howitzers, but then a scandal emerged over the price which appeared to be 1.5 times higher and the contract was suspended.
The Zuzana 2 is a recent Slovak self-propelled howitzer. It was developed by Konstrukta Defence. It is an new version of the original SpGH DANA. The Zuzana 2 is armed with a turret-mounted 155 mm/L52 gun-howitzer. The gun is mounted externally between two separated compartments of the turret. This self-propelled gun-howitzer is capable of both direct and indirect firing. It is fitted with an autoloader. Shells and charges are being loaded automatically at any elevation of the gun. The crew is completely isolated from potentially dangerous gun and autoloader mechanisms and is protected from the powder gasses generated during firing. Turret traverse is 360°, however firing envelope is limited to 60°.
The Zuzana 2 has an automatic gun-laying mode. Firing data is calculated by the onboard computer and the gun is laid on the target automatically. This artillery system is fitted with navigation system. Onboard fire control system allows to operate with digital maps. This artillery system is capable of Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact Firing (MRSI). This artillery system can launch 6 shells within the first minute, or 16 shells within 3 minutes. It can launch a couple of shells at different trajectories in order for them to hit the target simultaneously. Manual loading is possible if the autoloader fails. Manual rate of fire is 2 shells per minute. Sustained rate of fire is around 1.5 shells per minute.
This artillery system uses a special 8×8 chassis developed by Tatra. Vehicle has a new powerpack. It is powered by a new and significantly more powerful Tatra T3B-928.70 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 442 hp. The vehicle was powered by a MAN D28 76 LF diesel engine, developing 453 hp. Engine is located at the rear. It is mated to a Tatra 10-speed gearbox. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. However it has inferior cross-country performance comparing to that of tracked vehicles. Turret is fitted with independent auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems when the main engine is turned off. The Zuzana 2 is operated by a crew of 4, including commander, gunner, loader and driver. This system has a high level of automation.
